FROM THE WEST U COUNCIL TABLE • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • West University Place has closed the loophole for
legal egg-layers, making chickens
taboo in West U.
Why? Because the old law allowing chickens was very
confusing.
One spot in the West U code said chickens were outlawed, but
another part of the city code said you could have up to 12 egglaying
chickens, which seemed excessive to some.
My view of city chickens? I like them. Last count, 32 of 50 of
Money Magazine’s best cities to live allowed urban chickens.
And I think there is something quite romantic about fresh eggs
on the breakfast table.
But the West U City Council does not agree. Keep in mind,
there are a half-dozen or so West U residents that keep small
for decades.
Most chicken neighbors have never complained. Why?
Because they get fresh eggs as hush money — a harmless and
West U City Council has made criminals of our long-time
resident hen-owners.
A few egg-laying facts:
Chickens start laying eggs at six months old and quit dropping
at about four years old. A hen lives to be about eight. But after
more than three years, the hen likely has a name.
So what do you do with that “pet” when it quits laying eggs?
What do you do with the expired laying-hen?
I checked with Daniel Paripovich, the West University Place
with the hen after she quits dropping? No way I could wring
“Martha’s” neck.
I guess I’ll have to pass on owning egg- laying hens. Probably
good, since the new law would make me a criminal.
—By George Boehme
West U’s chicken ban
leaves longtime owners with
egg on their faces